Integrated projector system

ABSTRACT

A projector includes a first serial advanced technology attachment connector, a latch, a switch, and a communication module. The first serial advanced technology attachment connector is configured to connect with a second serial advanced technology attachment connector located within a computer. The latch is configured to extend from the projector and to disconnect the first serial advanced technology attachment connector from the second serial advanced technology attachment connector. The switch is in communication with the latch, and is configured to close when the latch is extended. The communication module is in communication with the switch and with the first serial advanced technology attachment connector. The communication module is configured to provide power to a radio link, to initiate communication with the computer via the radio link, to receive an image from the computer, and to display the image.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, andmore particularly relates to an integrated projector system.

BACKGROUND

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Presentations are often given using a projector to project an image froman information handling system to a screen or wall in a size largeenough for the audience to view. A computer can communicate with theprojector to output images associated with a display screen of thecomputer. The communication between the computer and the projector canbe through a wired or wireless connection controlled by softwareinstalled on the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements illustrated in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn toscale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporatingteachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respectto the drawings presented herein, in which:

FIG. 1 is block diagram of a computer and an integrated projector;

FIG. 2 is another block diagram of the computer and the integratedprojector;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the integrated projector;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for initiating communicationbetween the computer and the integrated projector; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a general computer system.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following description in combination with the Figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachingsand should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainlybe utilized in this application.

FIG. 1 shows a projector system 100 of an information handling system.For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system mayinclude any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operableto compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, orutilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business,scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an informationhandling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, orany other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,functionality, and price. The information handling system may includerandom access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as acentral processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic,ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components ofthe information handling system may include one or more disk drives, oneor more network ports for communicating with external devices as well asvarious input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, anda video display. The information handling system may also include one ormore buses operable to transmit communications between the varioushardware components.

The projector system 100 includes a computer 102 and an integratedprojector 104. The computer 102 includes a serial advance technologyattachment (SATA) connector 106. The integrated projector 104 includes aSATA connector 110, a communication module 112, a radio link 114, aresistor 116, and a switch 118. The integrated projector 104 can beplaced in physical communication with the computer 102 by inserting theprojector within the computer. The SATA connector 106 can be incommunication with the SATA connector 110, which in turn is incommunication with the communication module 112. The communicationmodule 112 is in communication with the radio link 114, with a firstterminal of the resistor 116, and with a first terminal of the switch118. The resistor 116 includes the first terminal and a second terminalconnected to a first reference voltage, labeled V_(DD). The firstvoltage reference can be a battery within the integrated projector 104.The battery V_(DD) can be in communication with the SATA connector 110so that the battery can be charged via power received from the SATAconnector while the integrated projector 104 is stored within thecomputer 102. The switch 118 includes the first terminal and a secondterminal connected to a second reference voltage, labeled GND.

The latch 108 can release and extend from the integrated projector 104,so that a user can remove the integrated projector from the computer102. The user of the computer 102 and the integrated projector 104 canthen pull on the extended latch 108 to remove the integrated projectorfrom the computer as shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, when the latch 108is extended from the integrated projector 104, a signal is sent to theswitch 118. In response to receiving the signal, the switch 118 canclose so that the switch can provide a connection between the resistor116 and the communication module 112, and between the resistor and theradio link 114. The switch 118 also can provide a connection between theresistor 116 and the other components of the integrated projector 104.Thus, when the switch 118 is closed, the resistor 118 and the firstvoltage reference V_(DD) can provide power to the communication module112, to the radio link 114, and to the other components in theintegrated projector 104. Thus, the integrated projector 104 can bepowered on as the switch 118 connects the components within theintegrated projector with the resistor and the first reference voltage.

When the communication module 112 is powered on, the communicationmodule can wait for the integrated projector 104 to be removed from thecomputer 102. The communication module 112 can detect that theintegrated projector 104 is being removed from the computer 102 byreceiving a signal that the SATA connector 110 has been disconnectedfrom the SATA connector 106. The communication module 112 can then senda communication signal to the radio link 114 to be broadcast from theintegrated projector 104. The communication signal can be a request toinitiate communication with a computer located with the broadcast rangeof the communication signal. The radio link 114 can communicate via aWireless-Fidelity (WiFi) link, a Bluetooth link, or the like.

The broadcast signal can be received by the computer 102, and thecomputer can send a return signal to the integrated projector 104. Whenthe computer 102 and the integrated projector 104 each receive a signalfrom the other device, the computer and integrated projector can theninitiate a communication session to send images from the computer to theintegrated projector for display.

The radio link 114 can receive signals from the computer 102 and cansend the signals to communication module 112 so that the communicationmodule can perform different functions on the signals. The signals caninclude digital images, audio, data, or the like that the computer 102can transmit to the integrated projector 104. Thus, when the integratedprojector 104 is removed from the computer 102, a communication sessioncan be automatically initiated so that the integrated projector canreceive the signals for images to be displayed from the computer 102.The integrated projector 104 can output the images from the computer 102via a lens 302 as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the integrated projector 104including the lens 302, a cover 304, and a communication cover 306. Thelens 302 is in physical communication with the cover 304, such that thelens is located within a cut-out of the cover. The cover 304 is inphysical communication with the communication cover 306. The lens 302can project the images received from the computer 102 on a wall, ascreen, or the like. The projection of the image can be via a laserprojection, a light projection, or the like.

The cover 304 is preferably metal and/or another material that conductsheat. The cover 304 can be connected to a heat sink of the integratedprojector 104, such that the cover can enhance the dissipation of theheat generated by the components of the integrated projector. The cover304 can enhance the heat dissipation via the large surface area of thecover and the flow of ambient air over the cover. The communicationcover 306 is preferably plastic or another material that does notinterfere with the communication between the computer 102 and theintegrated projector 104. Thus, the communication cover 306 can enablethe radio link 114 to send and receive signals without havinginterference caused by the cover 304.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method 400 for initiating communicationbetween the computer and the integrated projector. At block 402, a latchof an e-module including the integrated projector is detected asextended. A first switch on the integrated projector is closed inresponse to the latch being extended at block 404. At block 406, theintegrated projector is turned on when the switch closes. Power isprovided to a communication module at block 408. The communicationmodule can communicate via a WiFi communication link, a Bluetoothcommunication link, or the like. At block 410, disconnection of a SATAconnector from the computer is detected.

At block 412, removal of the integrated projector is detected. Theremoval can be detected b when a SATA connector of the integratedprojector is disconnected from a SATA connector of the computer. Asoftware application associated with the integrated projector islaunched when the integrated projector is removed from the computer atblock 414. At block 416, a broadcast signal is sent from the integratedprojector. Heat produced by the projector is dissipated at block 418. Atblock 420, communication is initiated between the integrated projectorand the computer. An image received at the integrated projector from thecomputer is displayed at block 422.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of a general computer system 500in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.The computer system 500 can include a set of instructions that can beexecuted to cause the computer system to perform any one or more of themethods or computer based functions disclosed herein. The computersystem 500 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected suchas using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices.

In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in thecapacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer(or distributed) network environment. The computer system 500 can alsobe implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wirelesstelephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner,a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, aweb appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machinecapable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise)that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particularembodiment, the computer system 500 can be implemented using electronicdevices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, whilea single computer system 500 is illustrated, the term “system” shallalso be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems thatindividually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructionsto perform one or more computer functions.

The computer system 500 may include a processor 502 such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both.Moreover, the computer system 500 can include a main memory 504 and astatic memory 506 that can communicate with each other via a bus 508. Asshown, the computer system 500 may further include a video display unit510, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emittingdiode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathoderay tube (CRT). Additionally, the computer system 500 may include aninput device 512, such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device 514,such as a mouse. The computer system 500 can also include a disk driveunit 516, a signal generation device 518, such as a speaker or remotecontrol, and a network interface device 520.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, the disk drive unit516 may include a computer-readable medium 522 in which one or more setsof instructions 524 such as software, can be embedded. Further, theinstructions 524 may embody one or more of the methods or logic asdescribed herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions 524 mayreside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory 504,the static memory 506, and/or within the processor 502 during executionby the computer system 500. The main memory 504 and the processor 502also may include computer-readable media. The network interface device520 can provide connectivity to a network 526, e.g., a wide area network(WAN), a local area network (LAN), or other network.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations such asapplication specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can be constructed to implement one or more ofthe methods described herein. Applications that may include theapparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include avariety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein may implement functions using two or more specificinterconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and datasignals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or asportions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, thepresent system encompasses software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein may be implemented by software programsexecutable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limitedembodiment, implementations can include distributed processing,component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed toimplement one or more of the methods or functionality as describedherein.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium thatincludes instructions 524 or receives and executes instructions 524responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to anetwork 526 can communicate voice, video or data over the network 526.Further, the instructions 524 may be transmitted or received over thenetwork 526 via the network interface device 520.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution bya processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or moreof the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as amemory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatileread-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be arandom access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally,the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capturecarrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmissionmedium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives may be considered a distributionmedium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalentsand successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detailabove, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of theembodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of theembodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A projector comprising: a first serial advancedtechnology attachment connector configured to connect with a secondserial advanced technology attachment connector located within acomputer; a latch configured to extend from the projector and todisconnect the first serial advanced technology attachment connectorfrom the second serial advanced technology attachment connector inresponse to the latch being extended from the projector, wherein theprojector is removed from within the computer in response to the latchbeing pulled; a switch in communication with the latch, the switchconfigured to close in response to the latch being extended, and toelectrically couple a communication module and a radio link to a batterywithin the projector in response to the switch being closed; thecommunication module in communication with the switch and with the firstserial advanced technology attachment connector, the communicationmodule configured to receive power along with the radio link from thebattery in response to the switch is closed, to initiate communicationwith the computer via the radio link, to receive an image from thecomputer, and to display the image; and a cover being made of a materialthat conducts heat in physical communication with a heat sink of theprojector, the cover configured to enhance heat dissipation of the heatsink to remove heat produced by the communication module based on thecover being in physical communication with the heat sink and theproduced heat being dissipated within a large surface area of the coverand flow of ambient air over the cover.
 2. The projector of claim 1further comprising: a communication cover in physical communication withthe radio link, the communication cover configured to enable thecommunication between the communication module and the computer.
 3. Theprojector of claim 1 wherein the communication module is furtherconfigured to detect when the serial advanced technology attachment isdisconnected from the computer.
 4. The projector of claim 1 wherein thecommunication with the computer is through Wireless-Fidelitycommunication.
 5. The projector of claim 1 wherein the communicationwith the computer is through Bluetooth communication.
 6. A systemcomprising: a computer including: a first serial advanced technologyattachment connector; and a projector including: a second serialadvanced technology attachment connector configured to connect with thefirst serial advanced technology attachment connector located within thecomputer; a latch configured to extend from the projector and todisconnect the second serial advanced technology attachment connectorfrom the first serial advanced technology attachment connector inresponse to the latch being extended from the projector, wherein theprojector is removed from within the computer in response to the latchbeing pulled; a switch in communication with the latch, the switchconfigured to close in response to the latch being extended, and toelectrically couple a communication module and a radio link to a batterywithin the projector in response to the switch being closed; thecommunication module in communication with the switch and with the firstserial advanced technology attachment connector, the communicationmodule configured to receive power along with the radio link from thebattery in response to the switch is closed, to initiate communicationwith the computer via the radio link, to receive an image from thecomputer, and to display the image; and a cover being made of a materialthat conducts heat in physical communication with a heat sink of theprojector, the cover configured to enhance heat dissipation of the heatsink to remove heat produced by the communication module based on thecover being in physical communication with the heat sink and theproduced heat being dissipated within a large surface area of the coverand flow of ambient air over the cover.
 7. The system of claim 6 whereinthe projector further comprises: a communication cover in physicalcommunication with the radio link, the communication cover configured toenable the communication between the communication module and thecomputer.
 8. The system of claim 6 wherein the communication module isfurther configured to detect when the serial advanced technologyattachment is disconnected from the computer.
 9. The system of claim 6wherein the communication with the computer is through Wireless-Fidelitycommunication.
 10. The system of claim 6 wherein the communication withthe computer is through Bluetooth communication.
 11. A methodcomprising: releasing a latch from being held within an integratedprojector; extending the latch from within the integrated projector;detecting that the latch of the integrated projector is extended fromthe integrated projector; providing a signal to a first switch inresponse to detecting that the latch is extended, wherein the firstswitch is internal to the integrated projector; closing the first switchin response to receiving the signal; turning on the integrated projectorwhen the first switch is closed; providing power from a voltagereference within the integrated projector to a communication module andto a radio link of the integrated projector when the first switch isclosed; detecting that the integrated projector is removed from acomputer; initiating display software on the integrated projector inresponse to detecting that the integrated projector is removed from thecomputer; initiating communication between the communication module ofthe integrated projector and the computer via the radio link in responseto detecting that the integrated projector is removed from the computer;displaying an image received from the computer; and dissipating heatproduced by the integrated projector via a cover of the integratedprojector based on the cover being made of a material that conducts heatbeing in physical communication with a heat sink of the integratedprojector and the produced heat being dissipated within a large surfacearea of the cover and flow of ambient air over the cover.
 12. The methodof claim 11 wherein detecting that the integrated projector is removedfrom the computer further comprises: detecting that a serial advancetechnology attachment connector is disconnected from the computer. 13.The method of claim 11 wherein displaying the image received from thecomputer further comprises: projecting the image from a lens of theintegrated projector.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein thecommunication with the computer is through Wireless-Fidelitycommunication.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the communication withthe computer is through Bluetooth communication.